Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The next gathering of the Good Time Accordion Club is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., Escalon. The monthly meeting and social is open to accordion fans and performers of all skill levels. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call Karl Wucherer at 209-556-3105.
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Bring the young ones to the Escalon Library for Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday, with stories, songs and activities offered for youngsters and their adult chaperones. Later on Thursdays, older kids can attend Makerspace, with supervised activities beginning at 4 p.m. The library is at 1540 Second St.
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View the work of local artists at the Carriage Art Show, sponsored by the City of Oakdale and Valley Art Association, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center at 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The free art exhibit is open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a reception for the artists and an awards presentation on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every week on Mondays at 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, 1480 Poplar. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. Special presentation for the Monday, Feb. 19 meeting will be given by Colleen O’Connell with Curves. For more information, contact Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838. TOPS is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization where members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation and more.
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The Delicato Winery annual art exhibit remains on display in the winery’s Tasting Room through Saturday, Feb. 17. Beginning at 2 p.m. on Feb. 17, art enthusiasts and wine tasting visitors will be encouraged to visit with the artists and the judge during the Art Show Awards Ceremony. At 3 p.m., awards will be presented to the ribbon winners in the Tuscan Room. Delicato Winery is in Manteca.
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The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 21. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Enjoy and learn at the Modesto Junior College weekly Science Colloquium series, running on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. in the Science Community Center, Room 115 on the MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto. The Colloquium series offers one hour discussions on timely science-related topics, and is free and open to the public. The Feb. 21 topic is “Microwaves” and the Feb. 28 program is “From MJC to Pharmaceutical Research: My Career Path” by Krista Thongphanh, molecular biologist at BioMarin Pharmaceutical.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
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Registration is now open for the Welcome Home Veterans Bike and Car Show, scheduled for April 14. All makes, models and years are welcome. The show will be held at the Tuolumne County Sheriff Posse Grounds, Rawhide Road, Jamestown. Entry is $30 in advance, $35 after April 6, includes commemorative pin (first 300) and People’s Choice judging. Advance registration is encouraged, at www.vietnamveterans391.org or contact Patrick at 209-740-5304 or Rodger at 209-480-8423.
